Normal People Q&A

Their repeated break-ups are almost always a consequence of either miscommunication or insecurity. Connell’s insecurity about the class gap that exists between them, while Marianne’s mental struggles cause her to believe that she does not deserve to be loved. 

Connell’s conversation with his mother that Marianne’s relationship with him might be frowned upon by her mother causes him significant annoyance. He faces further humiliation at the hands of his friends who begin to question him about his relationship with Marianne. He decides to end the rumors by asking someone else to the party, but he soon comes to realize that he has done something horrible.

They share a true love for one another, and it is rooted in their ability to be completely intimate with one another. They feel understood and seen when they are together, and they are unable to experience this level of intimacy with anyone else. 

Connell consults a therapist and begins taking prescribed medication. He returns to his hometown and begins putting himself back together again. He explores his writing further and uses his negative emotions as fuel for his creative endeavors. Connell repeatedly turns to Marianne for emotional support as well.